Depression and Gender

Depression is understood by most mental health professionals as a psychiatric illness involving severe and persistent disturbance in a person’s mood. Although people of all genders may experience depression, research has revealed significant differences between men and women in the epidemiology of this disorder. The social construction and social learning of masculine and feminine gender roles may also affect the way individuals experience, express, and respond to this disorder. This entry addresses the role of gender in the diagnosis of depression by professionals, and in the various ways individuals experiencing the disorder cope with and respond to it, including seeking or not seeking help from professionals.